Local seniors invited to free day at Oregon Zoo

Local seniors can reconnect with wildlife Tuesday, Sept. 16, during Senior Safari, a free day at the Oregon Zoo for anyone 65 or older.

"Everyone knows the Oregon Zoo is a great place for kids to learn about wildlife, and it's a great place for older adults to connect with animals too," said Teri Dresler, interim zoo director. "We want all ages to have that opportunity, that's why we've planned this day especially for the seniors in our community."

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., seniors (who may each bring along one free companion for the day) can attend animal talks, meet animals from the zoo's popular Wildlife Live program presented by Portland General Electric, and visit the zoo's Family Farm for hands-on experiences with pygora goats and a variety of small animals. A senior lunch special will be available at zoo restaurants.

Visitors can also catch up with some honored citizens from the animal world — like 27-year-old Gus, believed to be the oldest male Steller sea lion in the world, or 54-year-old Inji, the zoo's oldest resident and one of the oldest orangutans anywhere.